City Council Minutes 2002 07 16 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Louisville City Council Meeting July 16, 2002 Page 15 Sisk stated that a plan must be implemented to review the entire water structure. He stressed that the citizens and businesses have conserved water and should not be penalized for reducing their water consumption. With respect to hotels water consumption, he noted that they also bring in sales tax. He stated that the City Staff has stated that it is not a budgetary concern. He expressed his desire to have legislation put in place to reward residents having low water consumption. He voiced his opposition to the temporary 20% water rate increase. Mayer stated that when the Mayor asked the Public Works Director if there were sufficient funds to run the operations at the water plant, Staff only addressed the issue of the operation of the water plant. He stressed that was only 40% of what is required to run the operations water utilities in it entirety. He noted that water tap fees are only raising about 10% of the cost to run everything in water utilities. He emphasized that the 20% increase is arbitrary. He stated that only the residential water users have reduced their water consumption. Sisk voiced opposition of the 20% rate increase and reiterated that the residents of Louisville have followed the water restrictions and should not be penalized. Davidson agreed that the commercial businesses have not reduced their consumption, however, noted that it would be difficult for hotels to restrict their guests' water consumption. Davidson thanked Council member Mayer for his diligence. He agreed that the water rates should be reevaluated and rates established that would encourage water conservation. He stated that if the drought continues next year, the only water available to the City will be through Colorado Big Thompson and Howard Ditch. He agreed that purchasing water rights is a valid consideration. Mayer stated that there is a need to purchase water rights and added that he had no problems with reviewing the water rate structure. Keany stated that for downtown restaurant consumption, a comparison should be made of the water usage versus the sales tax collected. He agreed that there is no way of controlling hotel, commercial or industrial water usage. MOTION: Davidson moved that Council table the water rates discussion until the Special Meeting on Tuesday, July 23, 2002, seconded by Levihn. All in favor. Brown excused. Public Works Director Phare stated that Staff would not have any additional information to provide Council for the July 23, 2002, Special Meeting. MOTION: Davidson moved that the July 23, 2002 Special Meeting Agenda be amended from Discussion/Direction to Discussion/Direction and Resolution, seconded by Sisk. All in favor. Brown excused. 15